Vietnam holds advantage over Indonesia in U19 Southeast Asian Championship

Indonesia ranks second in group A of the U19 Southeast Asian Championship 2026 due to an inferior goal difference to Vietnam, having only secured a 3-0 victory against Timor Leste.

The Vietnam team celebrates their 5-0 victory over Myanmar in the second match of Group A at the U19 Southeast Asian Championship on the afternoon of 4/6 in Medan, Indonesia. *Photo: VFF*

In the second round of Group A on 4/6, Vietnam convincingly defeated Myanmar 5-0, while host Indonesia managed only a 3-0 win against Timor Leste. These results place both teams on 6 points, but Vietnam leads the group with a superior goal difference of +8 compared to the host team's +6.

The U19 Southeast Asian Championship 2026 features 11 teams divided into three groups. Teams play a round-robin format, with the top team from each group and the best second-placed team advancing to the semi-finals. Consequently, in the final group stage match on 7/6, Vietnam needs only a draw against Indonesia to secure first place and a semi-final berth. The host team, however, must win to surpass Vietnam.

Even if Vietnam loses to host Indonesia by one goal, the team could still qualify as the best second-placed team due to their decisive 5-0 victory over Myanmar. In that scenario, their points and goal difference would be compared with other second-placed teams like Malaysia and Cambodia. However, to avoid relying on other results, coach Ikeuchi's team will aim for a favorable outcome against the host to control their own destiny.

Vietnam (white jerseys) secured a 5-0 victory over Myanmar in the second match of Group A at the U19 Southeast Asian Championship on the afternoon of 4/6 in Medan, Indonesia. *Photo: ASEAN FOOTBALL*

The U19 Southeast Asian Championship 2026 is taking place in Medan and Deli Serdang, Indonesia, from 1-13/6. Group A includes Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Timor Leste. Group B features Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. Group C comprises Australia, Cambodia, and the Philippines.

In Group B, after the first round, Thailand leads following a 9-0 win over Brunei. Malaysia is second with a 3-0 victory against Singapore.

In Group C, Australia demonstrated its strength by defeating the Philippines 10-0.

The U19 Vietnam team is participating without its fullest squad, as some players are busy with graduation exams or V-League matches. The two most notable absences are the talented HAGL duo: central defender Dinh Quang Kiet and forward Tran Gia Bao. Young forward Nguyen Le Phat is also absent due to playing for Ninh Binh, and forward Pham Anh Khoi (from Belgium, playing for Royal Antwerp) has a torn ligament.

The U19 Southeast Asian Championship was first held in 2002. Thailand and Australia are the most successful teams, each winning the title five times. Malaysia and Indonesia have each won it two times, while Vietnam has won it one time, in 2007, when the tournament was held at Thanh Long Stadium, TP HCM.

On 7/6, Vietnam will face Indonesia at 8 PM.